20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Les Paul
Les paul Inducted in 2007 The first person in the VG HoF in two categories (he entered as an Innovator in '93), before all the electronics tinkering, he was Django-inspired jazz player with roots in country music. He came to prominence in the '30s with his trio, in the '40s worked studio sessions with Bing Crosby and others, had his own hits, and later teamed with singer (and wife to be) Mary Ford to do guitar/vocal duets. By the mid '50s, though, their music had succumbed to rock and roll. Still, anyone who has his broken arm permanently set in a guitar-playing position deserves play!
The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
Stevie Ray Vaughan Inducted in 2006 Rave-on, indeed. Building on the Texas blues foundation of Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker and others, he and his Fender Stratocaster combined many influences and took the blues mainstream. In terms of popularity, SRV brought the genre its best days (so far).
The Best of Django Reinhardt
Django Reinhardt Inducted in 2005 Arguably the most influential jazz guitarist the idiom has ever produced, with Stephane Grapelli and The Quintent Of The Hot Club of France, he achieved near-mythical status and elevated the genre. Despite having a disfigured fret hand, he played some of the most memorable single-string improvisations.
A Concert for George
George Harrison Inducted in 2004 Countering Lennon and McCartney's R&B tendencies, the lead guitarist of the Beatles brought the Carl Perkins/James Burton vibe to the band. Far too succinct a personality to be a blazing lead player, he nonetheless laid down some of the most competent and memorable rock solos ever recorded.
Wired
Jeff Beck Inducted in 2003 Emerging as Eric Clapton's replacement in the Yardbirds, he's a multi-styled virtuoso who has never feared experimentation, critical backlash, or sharing the spotlight with other notables. The "guitarist's guitarist," he's a perennial fan favorite, gathering regular ink regardless of his recorded output.
Anthology
Chuck Berry Inducted in 2002 If you play guitar, chances are Chuck Berry is part of the reason. From the opening lick of "Maybelline" to "School Days" and "Roll Over Beethoven", his contribution to popular music is inarguable. He borrowed from the blues, country, and boogie-woogie to create licks every guitarist has copied. Wanna learn to play guitar? Grab a Chuck Berry record.
Outrider
Jimmy Page Inducted in 1999 Earning a reputation as an efficient session man in early-'60s London, he joined the Yardbirds in '66 and formed Led Zeppelin in '68. His virtuosity on acoustic and electric guitar covered a range of styles and set trends still followed (though seldom covered as well) today. Plus, he played some of the most memorable guitar solos of all time through a Supro amp!
The Cream of Clapton
Eric Clapton Inducted in 1998 Drawing on the style of B.B. King, Charlie Christian, and Freddie King, Clapton made the blues more palpable to a broad British audience in his work with John Mayall, then helped bring blues-based rock to the forefront in Cream. His solo career has been marked by an eclectic but concise style that continues to draw new fans and move the guitar forward.
The Ultimate Collection
B.B. King Inducted in 1997 After getting his break on Mississippi's KWEM radio in 1948, B.B. caught the attention of the Modern record label, and went on to become one of the most imminently influential blues guitarists of all time. His trademark single-note solos have cut many a head while he smiled and played on, smooth as ever.
The Essential Chet Atkins
Chet Atkins Inducted in 1996 Credited with being single-handedly responsible for the "Nashville Sound", but always defying strict categorization, his ability to produce new sounds and styles has been supremely influential.
Band of Gypsys (Live at the Fillmore East)
Jimi Hendrix Inducted in 1994 The fact he still makes the covers of guitar magazines several times each year almost four decades after his death tells the place Jimi holds in the hearts of guitarists. That's why was the first player in the VG Hall of Fame.
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